On the 18th anniversary of Kosovo’s declaration of independence, an unusual standoff emerged between two of the country’s top state institutions over a ceremonial gift for U.S. President Donald Trump.
President Vjosa Osmani had planned to present a mineral rock from Kosovo’s Trepça mining complex to Trump at the inauguration of the “Peace Board.” However, the Ministry of Economy denied the Presidency’s request to release the rock.
Local media “Nacionale” obtained internal correspondence between the Presidency and the Ministry, which reveals the back-and-forth on the matter.
Following in the symbolic footsteps of former Kosovo President Ibrahim Rugova, who had gifted Trepça minerals to international allies, Osmani intended the gesture as a diplomatic gift to the U.S. president. But after the Ministry’s refusal, Osmani’s office had to abandon the plan.
On February 17, a day before her scheduled trip to Washington, the Presidency formally requested the Kosovo Museum’s assistance in securing the mineral rock. The museum, in turn, said any transfer required approval from the Ministry of Economy, then led by Artane Rizvanolli.
In its request, the Presidency cited state and public interests, emphasizing that the mineral would serve exclusively ceremonial purposes. “In order to fulfill state needs and based on public interest, we request your consideration in transferring ownership of a mineral rock from Trepça for official purposes,” the letter said. Nacionale also obtained a photograph of the requested rock.
The Ministry, however, rejected the request. Skender Sallahi, Director of the Department of Mines, cited legal and procedural constraints, noting that the short timeframe made it impossible to approve the transfer. “We request your understanding regarding the impossibility of fulfilling this request and express our willingness for future cooperation,” the response stated.
Observers say the refusal underscores the tense relationship between President Osmani and Prime Minister Albin Kurti. Relations between the two leaders have cooled, culminating last week when Kurti’s party, Vetëvendosje, did not nominate Osmani for a second presidential term.
Following the parliament’s failure to elect a president, Osmani issued a decree to dissolve the Assembly of Kosovo, a move challenged by Vetëvendosje in the Constitutional Court. The court temporarily suspended the decree until March 31.
The episode highlights both the symbolic importance of Trepça in Kosovo’s national identity and the broader political friction between the country’s executive branches.